Runner for ceiling suspension

ABSTRACT

A main runner for a suspended ceiling construction comprises a member of generally inverted T-shape and having opposed tongues for engagement with a channel-shaped guide structure of adjacent runners. Each tongue has a locking tab at its lower side that snap fits with the guide structure at a region offset from the line of flexing of the guide structure. The lower corner of the tongue adjacent to the locking tab is cut away to provide clearance for the tongue of the endmost runner to permit that runner to be tilted during its assembly with the first mentioned runner.

United States Patent [1 1 Rousey Mar. 27, 1973 RUNNER FOR CEILING SUSPENSION v [75] Inventor: Donald L. Rousey, Des Plaines, Ill. [73] Assignee: Questbr Corporation, Toledo, Ohio [22 Filed: Dec. 23, 1970 I i I 211 Appl. No.: 100,908

52 US. Cl ..52/726 51 Int. Cl .1504; 5/55 [58] Field Of Search ..287/l89.36 A, 189.36 R; 52/664-667, 726, 495, 484

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS, 3,501,185

3/1970 -Br6wn.;.'..-.... ..,287/l8 9.1i6A- 3,374,596 3/1968 OBrien .52 /726 Primary Examiner.lohn E. Murtagh Atto'rney-Ols'on, Treider, Wolters & Bushnell 571 ABSTRACT A main runner for a suspended ceiling construction comprises a member of generally inverted T-shape and having opposed tongues for engagement with a channel-shaped guide structure of adjacent runners.

Each tongue has a locking tab at its lower side that snap fits with the guide structure at a region offset from the line of flexing of the guide structure. The

- lower corner of the tongue adjacent to the locking-tab is cut away to provide clearance for the tongue of the endmost runner to permit that runner to be tilted duringits assembly with the first mentioned runner.

6 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures 1 RUNNER FOR CEHIING SUSPENSION This invention relates to improvements in ceiling suspensions for supporting ceiling tiles, and more particularly to a main runner that forms part of such suspension. I

It is an object of this invention to provide a main runner of the type and for the purpose stated in which adjacent runners are capable of interlocking so as to prevent sag of the suspension, and thereby improve the loading action of the suspension.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a runner of the type stated that permits two like runners to be snapped into interlocking engagement with each other by flexing of the relative interlocking parts, but at the same time prevents overstressing of those interlocking parts beyond their elastic limits.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a runner of the type stated that includes locking tongues at the opposite ends thereof and in which the lower corners of the tongues are cut away to provide clearance so that an endmost runner of a suspension may be tilted relative to the adjacent runner for initial engagement of the two after which the endmost runner may be rotated downwardly into alignment with the adjacent runner and into final locking engagement therewith.

In accordance with the foregoing objects there is provided a runner of generally inverted T-shape with opposed tongues at the opposite transverse margins of the web of the runner. Each tongue has a locking tab at the lower corner of its free edge and such lower comer is, furthermore, cut away to provide clearance for installation of an endmost runner of a length of runners. The locking tabs are adapted for snapping engagement with opposed projections or guides on the web of a like runner. As two runners are snapped together, the location of one of the projections and the locking tabs will be such that the projection yields but only within its elastic limits. This is accomplished by having the line of engagement of the tab offset from the region of bending of the projection. An upper and a lower projection are provided and the locking tab engages the lower projection, which tends to prevent sag of the structure. The projections are, furthermore, tapered to facilitate die removal.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary elevation of a line of runners embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a runner of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevation of the right end portion of FIG. 1 and showing the installation of the endmost runner;

FIGS. 4 and 5 show adjacent runners in line preparatory to assembly;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 66 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1.

Referring now in more detail to the drawing there is shown a fragmentary portion of a ceiling suspension that includes a series of like end-to-end connected main runners 3. The line of runners forming part of the suspension 1 may extend between opposed walls 5, Adjacent to the wall 6 is an endmost runner 3e. A number of spaced parallel lines of main runners and a number of spaced parallel transverse frame members (not shown) make up the gridlike suspension for supporting ceiling tile or panel material in a known manner.

Each runner 3 has a vertical web 7 with parallel longitudinal margins 9, 1 1. At the upper longitudinal margin 9 is an enlarged generally circular reinforcing bead 13, and at the lower longitudinal margin 11 are opposed flanges 15, 17 that are substantially perpendicular to the web 7. These lateral flanges 15, 17 provide the supporting surface on which the edges of the ceiling tiles are adapted to rest.

In the form of the invention herein shown, the runner 3 is formed by rolling a piece of sheet metal so that the web 7 is of double thickness to provide web sections 19, 21 (FIG. 6) which merge into the tubular bead 13. Theseam or joint between the opposed and aligned flanges 15, 17 is covered by a decorative strip 23 which is wrapped around and clinched to the longitudinal margins of the flanges 15, 17. The web 7 also has a series of spaced holes 25 by which each runner may be suspended by any suitable means, such as wire hangers 26. Also formed in the web 7 are slots 27 at which the transverse structural members of the suspension are joined to each of the main runners 3..

FIG. 4 shows the right hand end of a runner 3 and FIG. 5 shows the left hand end of an adjacent It will 3. it will be apparent, however, that since the runners 3 are similar, the left hand end structure shown in FIG. 5 is the same as the left hand'end structure of the runner shown in FIG. 4.

Projecting from each transverse margin of the web 7 is a tongue 29. The tongues 29 are of like construction except that they aremirror images of each other. Each tongue is narrower than the web and has longitudinal edges 31, 33 which are respectively spaced from the bead 13 and flanges 15, 17. Each tongue is joined to the adjacent transverse margin of the web 7 by a connecting section 35 such that each tongue is laterally offset from the web 7, the tongue at one end being offset oppositely with respect to the tongue on the other end of the web. Each web, furthermore, has a longitudinally extending rib 37 impressed therein for reinforcement. It should also be noted that each tongue 29, like the web 7, is of a double thickness of material. Also formed on each tongue adjacent to the lower corner of the free edge thereof is a laterally outwardly inclined tab 39 having an edge 41. The corner of the tongue 29 is cut away to provide a notch 43, for purposes presently more fully appearing.

Spaced from each longitudinal margin of the web 7 is a channel-shaped guide structure in the form of upper and lower projections 45, 47 that are struck from the web 7. Since the structural arrangement at one end of the runner 3 is a mirror image of that at the other end, it will be noted that the projections 45 47 at one end of the runner are struck oppositely to the projections 45, 47 at the other end of the runner. The upper and lower projections each have facing spaced apart free edges 49, 51. The lateral edges 53, 55 of the projections 45, 47 are tapered toward their respective free'edges 49, 51 to facilitate die removal upon forming of the projections 45, 47.

The spacing of the projections 45, 47 is such'as to provide a relatively snug but sliding fitwith the longitu.

45, 47 is such that the beads 13 and the'respective flanges 15, 17 of adjacent runners will be in substantial alignment.

As the tongue 29 is inserted within a pair of projections 45, 47 of an adjacent runner, the downwardly inclined tab 39 will engage within the lower projection 47 and pass thereacross at a line which is offset from the region 59 of bending or flexing of the lower projection, namely at a line which is between the region 59 and the edge 51. This flexes the projection 47 within its elastic limits as the tab 39 passes thereby. When the tab 39 finally clears the projection 47, the tab edge 41 will snap into locking position behind the projection 47 and hold the runners assembled with their respective webs and flanges substantially abutting. The foregoing in terengagement of a tongue and guide projections is, of course, effected with adjacent tongues on adjacent runners so that a double lock is provided at each joint between adjacent runners.

In assembling a line of runners it may be a problem to install endmost runner 32 in place. Such runner may be cut to length leaving one tongue 29. However, the cut length including the tongue is greater than the space remaining between the next-to-the-end runner and the wall 6. To facilitate installation of an endmost runner, the notch 43 is provided. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3, the runner 3e may be tilted upwardly with the tongue 29 inserted at an angle into the projections 45, 47 sufficient to allow the opposite end of the runner 3e to clear the wall 6. The notches 43 prevent the lower corner of each tongue 29 from being obstructed by the bottom of the lower projection when the endmost runner is tilted, as shown by the tongue 29 in broken lines, FIG. 4. Then the runner 3e is rotated downwardly and shifted into locking position.

Various modifications and departures from the precise form of the invention herein shown and described may be made and it is understood that all those falling within the scope of the appended claims are to be considered as part of the invention.

The invention is claimed as follows:

1. A runner for a ceiling suspension comprising a web having longitudinal margins and transverse margins, a bead running along one of said longitudinal margins, flange means running along the other longitudinal margin and projecting laterally of the opposite sides of said web, a tongue projecting from each transverse end of said web, each said tongue being narrower than said web and having longitudinal edges respectively spaced from said bead and said flange means, each tongue being joined to the associated transverse margin of the web by a connecting section such that each tongue is laterally offset from the web and with the tongues being offset on opposite sides respectively of the web, guide means struck from said web adjacent to each transverse margin thereof and being of a size for slidably receiving a similar tongue of an adjacent runner, each guide means being at the side of the web that is opposite to the offset of the proximate tongue of the runner and being at the same side of a web as is the tongue of the adjacent runner such that the flange means and web of the adjacent runner coincide with the flange means and web of the first mentioned runner, said guide means including a flexible laterally outwardly projecting projection for embracing that longitudinal edge of the tongue of the adjacent runner which is presented toward the flange, said projection having one end integral with said web and an opposite free edge facing toward said bead, and tab means struck from each tongue and being located substantially closer to the flange means than to said bead and projecting laterally outwardly from each tongue a sufflcient'distance for slidably engaging the projection of an adjacent runner at a location that is spaced between said free edge and a region of bending of the projection for flexing said projection within its elastic limits under influence of the sliding engagement of the tab means therewith upon insertion of the tongue of the adjacent runner into said guide means and permitting snap locking interengagement between said projection and the tab means as the tab means passes the projection and the projection returns to normal position.

2. A runner according to claim 1 in which said guide means includes an additional projection spaced from the first mentioned projection for embracing the other longitudinal edge of the tongue and terminating in a free edge that is spaced from the free edge of the firstmentioned projection.

3. A runner according to claim 2 in which said projections have sides that taper toward their respective free edges.

4. A runner according to claim 1 in which said tab means is at a comer of the tongue.

5. A runner for a ceiling suspension comprising a web having longitudinal margins and transverse margins, a bead running along one of said longitudinal margins, flange means running along the other longitudinal margin and projecting laterally of the opposite sides of said web, a tongue projecting from each transverse end of said web, each said tongue being narrower than said web and having longitudinal edges respectively spaced from said bead and said flange means, each tongue being joined to the associated transverse margin of the web by a connecting section such that each tongue is laterally offset from the web and with the tongues being offset on opposite sides respectively of the web, guide means struck from said web adjacent to each transverse margin thereof and being of a size for slidably receiving a similar tongue of an adjacent runner, each guide means being at the side of the web that is opposite to the offset of the proximate tongue of the runner and being at the same side of the web as is the tongue of the adjacent runner such that the flange means and web of the adjacent runner coincide with the flange means and web of the first mentioned runner, said guide means in cluding a flexible projection for embracing that longitudinal edge of the tongue of the adjacent runner which is presented toward the flange, said projection having a free edge presented toward said bead, and tab means struck from each tongue and being located substantially closer to the flange means than to said bead, said tab means slidably engaging the projection of an adjacent runner at a location that is between said free edge and a region of bending of the projection and being spaced from said region of bending, whereby upon insertion of the tongue of the adjacent runner into said guide means said projectionflexes within its elastic limits and said tab means snaps into locking position against said projection as the tab means passes thereby, a corner of said tongue being cut awayadjacent to said tab to provide a clearance notch that permits the adjacent runner to be tilted for initial insertion into said guide means.

6. A runner for a ceiling suspension comprising a web, flange means projecting laterally of the opposite sides of said web, a tongue projecting from a transverse end of said web and being joined to' said transverse end by a connecting section such that said tongue is that permits the runner to be tilted for initial insertion into said tongue-receiving means. 

1. A runner for a ceiling suspension comprising a web having longitudinal margins and transverse margins, a bead running along one of said longitudinal margins, flange means running along the other longitudinal margin and projecting laterally of the opposite sides of said web, a tongue projecting from each transverse end of said web, each said tongue being narrower than said web and having longitudinal edges respectively spaced from said bead and said flange means, each tongue being joined to the associated transverse margin of the web by a connecting section such that each tongue is laterally offset from the web and with the tongues being offset on opposite sides respectively of the web, guide means struck from said web adjacent to each transverse margin thereof and being of a size for slidably receiving a similar tongue of an adjacent runner, each guide means being at the side of the web that is opposite to the offset of the proximate tongue of the runner and being at the same side of a web as is the tongue of the adjacent runner such that the flange means and web of the adjacent runner coincide with the flange means and web of the first mentioned runner, said guide means including a flexible laterally outwardly projecting projection for embracing that longitudinal edge of the tongue of the adjacent runner which is presented toward the flange, said projection having one end integral with said web and an opposite free edge facing toward said bead, and tab means struck from each tongue and being located substantially closer to the flange means than to said bead and projecting laterally outwardly from each tongue a sufficient distance for slidably engaging the projection of an adjacent runner at a location that is spaced between said free edge and a region of bending of the projection for flexing said projection within its elastic limits under influence of the sliding engagement of the tab means therewith upOn insertion of the tongue of the adjacent runner into said guide means and permitting snap locking interengagement between said projection and the tab means as the tab means passes the projection and the projection returns to normal position.
 2. A runner according to claim 1 in which said guide means includes an additional projection spaced from the first mentioned projection for embracing the other longitudinal edge of the tongue and terminating in a free edge that is spaced from the free edge of the first-mentioned projection.
 3. A runner according to claim 2 in which said projections have sides that taper toward their respective free edges.
 4. A runner according to claim 1 in which said tab means is at a corner of the tongue.
 5. A runner for a ceiling suspension comprising a web having longitudinal margins and transverse margins, a bead running along one of said longitudinal margins, flange means running along the other longitudinal margin and projecting laterally of the opposite sides of said web, a tongue projecting from each transverse end of said web, each said tongue being narrower than said web and having longitudinal edges respectively spaced from said bead and said flange means, each tongue being joined to the associated transverse margin of the web by a connecting section such that each tongue is laterally offset from the web and with the tongues being offset on opposite sides respectively of the web, guide means struck from said web adjacent to each transverse margin thereof and being of a size for slidably receiving a similar tongue of an adjacent runner, each guide means being at the side of the web that is opposite to the offset of the proximate tongue of the runner and being at the same side of the web as is the tongue of the adjacent runner such that the flange means and web of the adjacent runner coincide with the flange means and web of the first mentioned runner, said guide means including a flexible projection for embracing that longitudinal edge of the tongue of the adjacent runner which is presented toward the flange, said projection having a free edge presented toward said bead, and tab means struck from each tongue and being located substantially closer to the flange means than to said bead, said tab means slidably engaging the projection of an adjacent runner at a location that is between said free edge and a region of bending of the projection and being spaced from said region of bending, whereby upon insertion of the tongue of the adjacent runner into said guide means said projection flexes within its elastic limits and said tab means snaps into locking position against said projection as the tab means passes thereby, a corner of said tongue being cut away adjacent to said tab to provide a clearance notch that permits the adjacent runner to be tilted for initial insertion into said guide means.
 6. A runner for a ceiling suspension comprising a web, flange means projecting laterally of the opposite sides of said web, a tongue projecting from a transverse end of said web and being joined to said transverse end by a connecting section such that said tongue is laterally offset from the web, tongue-receiving means on said web for slidably receiving a similar tongue of an adjacent runner such that the flange means and web of the adjacent runner coincide with the flange means and web of the first mentioned runner, and tab means on said tongue for slidably engaging the tongue-receiving means of an adjacent runner such that upon insertion of the tongue into said tongue-receiving means and movement relative thereto, said tab means snaps into locking position therewith, said tongue having a corner adjacent to its free end cut away to provide clearance that permits the runner to be tilted for initial insertion into said tongue-receiving means. 